Mental Health is one of the most urgent issues facing South Africans today. One in three South Africans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, yet nine out of ten people living with a mental illness do not have access to the treatments they need. SADAG, together with government, corporates, schools, communities and civil society, is determined to change this by raising awareness, breaking stigma and mobilising action, says SADAG.

"Alone we can only do so much, but together we can do so much more," says Cassey Chambers, Operations Director at SADAG. "This year's theme reminds us that mental health affects every family, every workplace, every community. By standing together, we break down stigma, strengthen partnerships and create hope for millions of South Africans."

The 2025 commemorations include a series of nationwide activations designed to bring mental health into every space — from schools and workplaces to communities and homes, adds the organisation.

'Go Green for Mental Health' — Schools and Workplaces Unite

Across South Africa, schools, universities and corporates will participate in SADAG's 'Go Green for Mental Health' campaign on Friday, 10 October, encouraging learners, educators, employees and leaders to wear green, decorate offices and purchase green awareness ribbons (R10 each, proceeds go to SADAG's Suicide Helplines), says the organisation.

Clinical Psychologist and SADAG Board Chairperson, Dr Colinda Linde says, "Going Green is more than just a symbol — it's a visible show of support, a conversation starter and a way to let people know they are not alone. The ripple effect of companies, organisations and schools across the country standing up for mental health can be transformative."

Move for Mental Health — Parkrun Challenge

On Saturday, 11 October at 08:00, SADAG is encouraging all South Africans to join their local Discovery Vitality Parkrun as part of the '#MoveForMentalHealth' and '#GoGreenForMentalHealth' campaigns, adds the organisation.

With over 244 Parkrun sites across the country, individuals, families and teams are encouraged to get active, join their community and move together for Mental Health — wearing green to show support. If you would like to join the SADAG Team in Bryanston (JHB), Century City (CT), Amazimtoti and Umhlanga (KZN), sign up here.

Ongoing Activations Throughout October

According to the organisation, SADAG is running a full calendar of activities to make mental health visible and accessible throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, including:

  • Weekly Ask the Expert Facebook (@theSADAG) Live sessions on topics relevant to everyday South Africans such as the role of Culture, Stigma and Mental Health, Ask the Dr on Medication and Treatment FAQs, as well as the emotional toll of Breast Cancer.
  • Launching new free support groups, including new groups for youth, trauma, anxiety, educators and teachers.
  • A new online mental health toolkit with resources for schools, workplaces and communities that includes free resources, videos, activities, brochures, etc.
  • Special outreach projects including more than twelve school talks, awareness talks across various workplaces countrywide, clinics, hospitals and community centres
  • 'March for Mental Health' — to wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, on Friday, 31 October in Johannesburg, SADAG, in partnership with NGOs, volunteers, patients, Support Groups, government stakeholders, and civil society partners, will host a 'March for Mental Health'. This symbolic event will unite patients, families, support groups, healthcare professionals, government stakeholders and communities to walk side by side — sending a powerful message of unity, collaboration and hope.

This year, SADAG's call is clear: mental health cannot be left in the shadows. Every South African has a role to play in raising awareness, breaking stigma and offering support, says the organisation.

"'Together for Mental Health' is more than a theme — it's a call to action," concludes Chambers. "We are urging schools, companies, communities and individuals to stand with us. Wear green, join a Parkrun, attend a support group, take part in an Ask the Expert session — every action, big or small, helps to change the narrative and bring hope."

For more information, visit www.sadag.org.

*Image courtesy of Facebook